2025 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 BMW X3

$53,940 · Crossover

$50,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary distinction between the 2026 BMW X3 and the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is fuel economy, with the X3 achieving 29 combined MPG compared to the Nautilus’s 24 combined MPG, a significant 5 MPG difference. Pricewise, the BMW carries an MSRP of $50,900, undercutting the Lincoln's $53,940 by $3,040. Despite the lower price and better efficiency, the X3 generates more power, boasting 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque against the Nautilus’s 250 hp and 280 lb-ft. However, the larger Nautilus offers superior utility, measuring 193.2 inches long compared to the X3's 187.2 inches, resulting in a larger 36.4 cu ft of cargo space versus the X3's 31.5 cu ft. Both utilize AWD and an 8-speed automatic transmission, yet their physical dimensions and efficiency metrics dictate divergent ownership experiences.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW X3

The 2026 BMW X3 is the winner for commuters due to its superior 29 combined MPG versus the Nautilus's 24 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus offers more practical family space with 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the X3's 31.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW X3

The 2026 BMW X3 appeals more to enthusiasts by producing slightly higher power figures of 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW X3

The 2026 BMW X3 offers better value, costing $3,040 less MSRP while delivering 5 more combined MPG.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Cargo volume is paramount, as the Nautilus provides 36.4 cu ft, significantly more than the X3’s capacity.
A longer exterior dimension (193.2 inches) is required for garage fitment or road presence.
The slight increase in torque (280 lb-ft) is preferred despite being marginally lower than the competitor.

Choose the BMW X3 if...

Fuel efficiency is a top priority, indicated by the 29 combined MPG versus the Nautilus's 24 combined MPG.
A lower initial investment is desired, with the X3 priced $3,040 less at $50,900 MSRP.
Maximum output is sought, as the X3 achieves 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lincoln Nautilus	BMW X3
Length	193.2"	187.2"
Width	76.9"	75.6"
Height	68.2"	65.4"
Wheelbase	114.2"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	250 hp @ 5500 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	27/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	420.0/580.0 mi.	464.4/567.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.0 gal.	17.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	—
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Infotainment Display	—	14.9 in
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	—
Front Leg Room	43.5 in.	40.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.9 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Cooling	✓	—
Passenger Seat Cooling	✓	—
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	—
Rear Leg Room	43.1 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/60R19	✓
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus and 2026 BMW X3.

Which vehicle is more affordable based on the specified MSRPs?

The 2026 BMW X3 is the more affordable option, with an MSRP of $50,900. This is $3,040 less expensive than the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, which starts at $53,940.

How much of a difference is there in fuel economy between the two crossovers?

The BMW X3 holds a notable advantage in efficiency, achieving 29 combined MPG (27 city/33 highway). The Lincoln Nautilus trails with 24 combined MPG (21 city/29 highway).

Does the increased size of the Nautilus translate to better cargo utility?

Yes, the Nautilus provides 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, offering 4.9 cubic feet more space than the X3's 31.5 cubic feet.

Which vehicle offers higher performance specifications?

The 2026 BMW X3 technically offers higher performance metrics, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, narrowly beating the Nautilus's 250 hp and 280 lb-ft.

Are the driving dynamics fundamentally different since both use AWD and 8-speed automatics?

While both utilize AWD and the same transmission type, the power output differences (255 hp vs 250 hp) and vehicle dimensions (e.g., X3 is 6 inches shorter in length) suggest distinct driving characteristics.